Sin is not a mistake — it is rebellion against a holy God.
The doctrine of sin explains the origin, nature, and consequence of mankind’s rebellion against God. Sin began with pride, spread through disobedience, and infects every heart. Understanding sin is essential to understanding salvation — for only when we see what we are saved from do we see what grace really means.
This doctrine is part of our complete Statement of Faith.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
1. The Origin of Sin within the Doctrine of Sin
Sin began not with man, but with Lucifer — the anointed cherub who rebelled against the authority of God. His pride brought downfall, and through temptation in Eden, sin entered the human race.
The doctrine of sin is a foundation within the Gospel we preach and within the Christian faith.
Isaiah 14:12–14
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Genesis 3:6
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
Sin did not surprise God — but it did separate man from Him. Through Adam, sin passed upon all, bringing death and corruption to every generation.
2. The Nature of Sin
Sin is not merely doing wrong — it is defying God’s law. It is missing the mark, transgressing the boundary, and violating the very character of God Himself. The doctrine of sin helps us to fully understand the nature of sin.
1 John 3:4
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Romans 7:13
Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
Sin is deeper than behavior — it is a condition of the heart. It is the inward desire to live apart from God’s rule.
3. The Universality of Sin within the Doctrine of Sin
Every person born since Adam inherits his sinful nature. No one is righteous by birth, and no one is exempt by religion. Sin is universal — it stains all people, all nations, and all generations.
Psalm 51:5
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Ecclesiastes 7:20
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
Romans 3:10–12
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Sin levels all men at the foot of the cross — none can boast, and all must believe. Doctrine of sin will be truthful or else it will be sinful! We’re all sinners!
4. The Consequences of Sin
The wages of sin are severe — spiritual death, separation from God, and eternal punishment in hell. Sin destroys everything it touches: purity, peace, and purpose.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Isaiah 59:2
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Ezekiel 18:4
Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
Hell is not merely a consequence — it is the rightful judgment of a holy God against all sin.
The Doctrine of Salvation is God’s merciful answer to this eternal problem.
5. The Cure for Sin within the Doctrine of Sin
Only one cure exists for sin — the blood of Jesus Christ. No works, rituals, or efforts can erase sin’s record. Only the Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world, can take away sin forever. The doctrine of sin has only one cure!
1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Hebrews 9:26
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
John 1:29
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
The Doctrine of the Blood connects directly here — salvation is possible only through faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
Application and Affirmation
Sin explains the darkness of the world and the corruption of man’s heart. But it also magnifies the mercy of God. When we understand how deadly sin is, we finally grasp how powerful grace must be.
Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Affirmation:
- Sin originated through rebellion against God.
- All mankind is born with a sinful nature.
- Sin separates man from God and brings death.
- Only Jesus Christ can cleanse us from sin.
- The blood of Christ is the only cure for sin’s curse.
